Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling in La Paz: Espiritu Santo
Glide alongside whale sharks and sea lions, then relax with a picnic on a quiet beach
Snorkel with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz and playful sea lions at La Lobera reef, then eat lunch on Espiritu Santo Island in the UNESCO-protected archipelago. The boat holds a maximum of eight passengers, and expert naturalist guides deliver scientific insights about the marine species you encounter. First-class wetsuits and snorkeling equipment are provided, along with a customized picnic tailored to your preferences, including vegan options.
What’s included
- First-class shorty wetsuits and snorkeling equipment fitted to your size.
- bottled water throughout the day.
- customized picnic lunch on Espiritu Santo Island with vegan options available.
- local beer.
- professional GoPro underwater documentation of your snorkeling.
Times
- Every day 07:15
Before you book
Operated by Baja Sur Tours
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day splits into three parts, each one built around a different marine encounter. You start with whale sharks in the serene waters of La Paz Bay: the largest fish in the ocean, and gentle enough to swim alongside. Then the boat moves to La Lobera, a small coral reef colony where sea lions play in the water. Between and after these two snorkeling segments, you spend time on Espiritu Santo Island itself, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the picnic happens on a pristine beach. You're free to sit out any segment and stay dry. The guides won't push you in.
The boat carries eight people maximum, so the group stays small and the pace stays yours. Your guides are naturalists trained to explain what you're seeing (the behavior of whale sharks, the ecology of the reef, why these species matter) rather than just point and move on. The wetsuits are shorty cuts, which work in warm water without the bulk of a full suit, and all snorkeling gear comes included and fitted to your size. Bottled water is on hand throughout the day.
The picnic is where the "Super VIP" part shows: you fill out a form beforehand telling the operator what you eat and what you don't, and they prepare food to match. Vegan options are available. Local beer comes with lunch. At the end of the day, you get professional GoPro footage of the snorkeling, not a guide's phone video, but edited clips from an underwater camera, so you have a record of what you saw.
Is this one for you?The guides speak English and Spanish, so if you're comfortable following instruction in either language, you'll get the full scientific commentary on the species you encounter. Groups stay at eight maximum, which means the boat doesn't feel crowded and the guides can tailor the pace to your group's comfort level in the water.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I snorkel with whale sharks if I've never done it before?
Yes. The activity is designed for all skill levels, and the guides provide beginner-friendly instruction before you enter the water. The whale sharks are calm, and the guides stay with you to show you how to move and breathe underwater safely.
What exactly happens at La Lobera?
La Lobera is a small coral reef where a colony of sea lions lives. You snorkel in the water while the sea lions swim and play around you. They're curious and social animals, so the encounter is interactive rather than a distant viewing.
Is the picnic included, or do I pay extra?
The picnic is included. You choose your meal preferences on a form before the day starts, and the operator prepares food tailored to what you want, including vegan dishes if you need them. Local beer is also included.
How long is the whole experience?
The day runs nine hours from start to finish, covering the whale shark snorkeling, the sea lion encounter, the beach time on Espiritu Santo, and the picnic.
What if I don't want to snorkel?
You don't have to enter the water at any point. You can stay on the boat or on the beach and watch the others snorkel, or participate in only the segments that appeal to you. The guides make it clear there's no obligation.
Do I get to keep the GoPro footage?
Yes. Professional underwater video is shot during the snorkeling segments and provided to you as part of the experience, so you have a record of the marine life you encountered.
Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling in La Paz: Espiritu Santo
9h · EN · ES
from US$ 275 per person
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